Risk Factors of a Heart Attack

Otherwise known as myocardial infarction, a heart attack will occur when the blood flow to the heart is impeded. The most common cause of a blockage that leads to a heart attack will be a build-up of fatty materials and cholesterol. These build-ups form a plaque in the arteries that feed the blood to the heat and the coronary arteries. Any interruption to the blood supply can cause damage to the heart muscle.

In the past, a heart attack was often fatal but things have moved on a lot and monitoring of heart conditions in the Harley ST Clinic in London can help ensure that you manage and live with your heart condition and flag up any problems before they become serious.

But prevention is better than cure and below are some of the things that might increase your risk of a heart attack:

1. Your Age

Men older than 45 and women older than 55 are at greater risk of heart attack. The percentage of people who are over 65 when they die from heart attack and coronary heart disease is over 83%.

2. Diabetics

In the body, Insulin regulates glucose but if you are diabetic and cannot respond correctly to insulin then blood sugar levels can rise. If diabetes is not controlled it can lead to an increased risk of having a heart attack.

3. A Family History of Heart Disease

Having parents, siblings, or grandparents who had a heart attack by the age of 55 for male relatives and by the age of 65 for female relatives, might put you at higher risk.

4. Stress and Your Response to It.

If you struggle to control your anger and don’t deal well with stress this can put you at higher risk of heart attack and stroke. Learning to manage the stress you experience in life by managing time undertaking relaxation techniques and being realistic in your goal setting. Massage and yoga can be effective in managing stress.

5. Hypertension – High Blood Pressure

High Blood Pressure is a common heart disease risk factor. A heart healthy blood pressure will be recorded at less than 120/80.

Left un-checked, in time high blood pressure can cause damage to arteries by accelerating atherosclerosis. High blood pressure associated with high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity or smoking might further raise your risk factor of having a heart attack.

High blood pressure can be addressed if you follow a proper diet, take some exercise and maintain a healthy weight.

6. A High Cholesterol Count

The risk of heart disease will increase if the ratio of total measured cholesterol to good cholesterol is more than five to one. Optimal levels for total cholesterol are less than 200 mg/dL and a measurement of good cholesterol that is more than 60 mg/dL. A healthy diet and some exercise along with medication will help to keep cholesterol under control.

7. Eating a High Fat Diet

Eating a diet high in saturated fat might increase the risk of developing stroke and heart disease. The World Heart Federation estimates that this kind of diet is responsible for about 10% of strokes and over 30% of coronary heart disease cases globally.

8. Couch Potato Lifestyle

Having a sedentary lifestyle may increase the risk of heart attack and stroke by 50%. To minimise the risk, physical activity levels of moderate activity for at least 150 minutes

9. Excess Body Weight

Having excess body fat, most especially around the waist makes a person more at risk or heart disease and stroke, even without any other risk factors. Excess weight can significantly strain the heart and may heighten other possible risks factors. Eating a heart healthy diet low in refined sugars, trans fat, saturated fat, and sodium is best.

10. Smoking Cigarettes

The most preventable risk factor for heart disease is probably smoking. The risk of heart disease and heart attack increases greatly if you smoke. Stopping smoking can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease a lot, even if you have smoked for a long time.

If you would like advice on heart health or to help you manage an existing heart condition, contact us now at Harley Street Medical Clinic, London